Child arrests have doubled as 4,587 held
THE number of children arrested by GMP has more than doubled in a year.
The rise from 2,517 in 2014 to 4,587 is a sharp reverse of a trend over the last four years which has seen the numbers fall.
The increase has been criticised by the penal reform group, the Howard League.
GMP say they have been ‘working tirelessly’ to reduce any ‘unnecessary’ child arrests.
Nationwide, police made 102,666 arrests of boys and girls aged 17 and under during 2015 a 58 per cent reduction in five years.
Many forces have reviewed their arrest procedures and policies after working with the Howard League.
Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “The Howard League is proud to have played its part in stemming the flow of children into the justice system and the consequential downward spiral into crime and custody.
“It is a little disappointing that 13 forces, including Greater Manchester Police, have not maintained the momentum in the last year, but occasionally there will be blips from year to year and we should not lose sight of how far we have come.”
In Greater Manchester, 10,903 children were arrested in 2011; in 2012, 7,807; 2013, 6,144; 2014, 2,517; and last year 4,587.
Nationally arrests of girls are falling at a faster rate than arrests of boys. Police recorded a 63 per cent drop in girls’ arrests between 2010 and 2015, and the number of girls in prison decreased by the same proportion.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “Greater Manchester Police works closely with The Howard League for Penal Reform to reduce the criminalisation of children and improve data collection.
“We have welcomed staff from The Howard League for Penal Reform into custody suites to experience the challenges around child detention first-hand.
“Officers from GMP’s custody suites work tirelessly to reduce unnecessary arrests and are keen to promote the welfare of young people, as well as maintaining a strong focus on the safeguarding needs of all children in custody.
“We have significantly reduced the number of children detained overnight and work closely with partner agencies to explore and develop alternative solutions.”